Paso Wines at Urban Solace: Living Vicariously

This MCAT class is consuming my existence. 2 1/2 hours every night for five nights a week, not to mention the loads of homework (multiple choice homework still takes a long time) and practice tests. I received an email about Urban Solace having a Paso Robles wine pairing dinner, featuring five Paso winemakers. Of course, my favorite Adelaida Cellars is one of the winemakers. Oh, I thought, this would be a nice break from studying.

Except that it's on a Wednesday night and yours truly will be in class.

If they're not already booked up, I highly recommend making a reservation. If there are any aspiring bloggers out there who'd like to write it up, I'd be happy to post it on AoaAF. Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?

Menu from the website:

Passed Hors d' Oeuvres: Paired with House Bubbles!
- Baked Malpeque Oyster, Caramelized Fennel and Artisan Bacon
- Aged Cheddar Gougères

First Station: Paired with 2008 Vina Robles Verdelho, Huerhuero Vineyard, Paso Robles
Jidori Chicken Liver Paté, Grilled Asian Pear, Toasted Brioche, Spiced Honey

Second Station:  Paired with 2008 Still Water Vineyards Estate Viognier, Paso Robles
Braised Niman Ranch Pork Belly, Dried Apricot Chutney, Pomegranate Reduction

Third Station: Paired with 2007 Adelaida Cellars "Version Red", Glenrose Vineyard, Paso Robles (GSM blend)
Duck Three Way: Maple-Bourbon Cured Breast, Smoked Duck Prosciutto wrapped around Duck Confit and Housemade Ricotta

Fourth Station: Paired with 2005 Niner Wine Estates, "Fog Catcher", Bootjack Ranch, Paso Robles (Bordeaux Blend)
Spice Crusted Piedmontese NY Strip Loin, Shaved Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Bordelaise

Passed Finale:  Paired with 2007 Adelaida Cellars Ice Wine, Muscat / Viognier, Central Coast
Blood Orange Glazed Apple Tartlette

(old photo of the tasting room with their previous logo)

I was at Adelaida this past weekend and their ice wine is currently on the tasting list. It's fabulous... sweet, but not syrupy as many dessert wines can be. The Version Reds are always great blends and I think it's a shame they're not showcasing their fabulous Syrah. It's being served with duck (three ways?!), which only increases my bitterness that I'll be stuck in a classroom at UCSD's med school campus. I know from past experience that Matt Gordon and his staff will serve a meal as good as it looks in writing, so the food will also be fabulous.

(Adelaida's walnut grove)

If anyone is interested in writing it up, leave a comment or email me at moowiesqrd [at] adventuresofanamateurfoodie [dot] com and we'll iron out the details. If leaving a comment, please leave your contact info.